3/7/18. Integrating SOAR Training Into Social Work Education. Disclaimer. Welcome! The Webinar will Begin Shortly

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1 Welcome! The Webinar will Begin Shortly Technical Assistance FAQs 1. Why can t I hear anything? Choose Dial-in to the Audio Conference via Phone Call-in to conference line: Enter Access code: Once called in, click on top right of page and click View Info dial the number provided under Once joined to audio identify yourself. There is NO hold music, so you will not hear anything until the webinar begins. 2. Can I get the slides/materials for today s webinar? Download this presentation from Adobe File Box at bottom right of screen, Click PPT 3. Will this webinar be recorded? YES, this webinar is being recorded and will be available at the above link within 1 week of this presentation. Integrating SOAR Training Into Social Work Education PRESENTED BY: SAMHSA SOAR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER POLICY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. UNDER CONTRACT TO: SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Disclaimer This training is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) The contents of this presentation do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of SAMHSA or DHHS. 1

2 Webinar Instructions Muting Recording availability Downloading documents Questions and Answers Agenda SOAR Initiative with Schools of Social Work/ National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services Heather Larkin, MSW, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University at Albany SUNY/National Center for Excellence in Homeless Services SOAR Overview Pam Heine, MSW, Senior Project Associate, SAMHSA SOAR TA Center, Policy Research Associates, Inc. SOAR Field Placement at University of Texas- Austin Mar Padilla, MSW Student, University of Texas at Austin SOAR Classes at Cal State Long Beach Nancy Meyer-Adams, MSW, Ph.D., Director, School of Social Work, California State University- Long Beach SOAR Planning at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. Linda Plitt Donaldson, MSW, PhD, Associate Professor, Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. Kate Baasch, MA ATR-BC, LPC, Miriam's Kitchen Getting Started with SOAR Collaborations at University at Albany Heather Larkin, MSW, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University at Albany SUNY Questions & Answers March is National Social Workers Month! 2

3 Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions. Every day, the nation's 650,000 social workers act as advocates, champions and leaders who make our society a better place to live. Social Workers also follow the NASW Code of Ethics, which calls on members o the profession to enhance human well-being, and meet the basic needs of all people, with particular emphasis on the needs and empowerment of those who are vulnerable, oppressed or living in poverty. SOAR and Schools of Social Work The National Center for Excellence HEATHER LARKIN, MSW, PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK NATIONAL CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOMELESS SERVICES ALBANY, NEW YORK National Center Priorities 1. Respond to the Grand Challenge to End Homelessness 2. Develop strategic partnerships with: National social work programs and CSWE Federal and local governments Homeless service agencies and leaders 3. Use a whole person/whole agency/whole community/whole system approach 4. Promote evidence-based and emerging practices 5. Expand innovations and develop policies to systematize innovations 3

4 National Homelessness Social Work Initiative Social work and homelessness NY Community Trust Build upon aging and child welfare initiatives The Grand Challenge to End Homelessness About the Homelessness Initiative Partnership among 19 social work schools nationally Six Regional Hub Leaders Regional network models in NY/NJ and other states Identifying baseline homelessness content and partnerships CSWE role National Center Partners 4

5 Partner School Activities Research and evaluation Education and curriculum Field placements Inter-departmental partnerships University-community partnerships Community awareness Policy advocacy These examples and more are featured on the National Center blog: SOAR Social Work Pilot Project Network of four schools and departments of social work (each implementing differently) Monthly collaboration, innovation exchanges through teleconferences Consultation and ongoing coordination with CSWE, SAMHSA s SOAR Technical Assistance Center, VA Scale-up goals SOAR Benefits People with disabilities who experience homelessness or are at risk of homelessness (e.g. those returning to the community from institutions such as jails, prisons, or hospitals) May assist to lift individuals out of poverty Early step of recovery for those with mental health, addiction, and related impairments including cognitive impairments 5

6 SOAR Overview PAM ELA HEINE, M SW, LSW SENIOR PROJECT ASSOCIATE SAMHSA SOAR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER POLICY RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC. The SOAR Model What is SOAR? What is SOAR? A model for assisting eligible individuals to apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) For individuals who are experiencing or at-risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, co-occurring substance use disorder, or other physical disabilities Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in collaboration with the Social Security Administration (SSA) since 2005 All 50 states and Washington, D.C. currently participate 6

7 What Makes SOAR Unique? SOAR-trained social workers are the heroes! SOAR Works! And Works! 7

8 How do States and Communities Benefit? SSI/SSDI and Medicaid/Medicare bring federal dollars into states, localities, and community programs: Health providers can recoup cost of uncompensated care (2017: $503,932) States and localities can recoup the cost of public assistance Cash benefits and back payments received by individuals is spent in the local community (2017: $356 Million) A Foundation for Recovery SSI/SSDI provides more than income: Access to health care and housing Increased employment opportunities Decrease in incarcerations and hospitalizations SAMHSA SOAR TA Center The SOAR Online Course and Online Application Tracking (OAT) Program 8

9 Articles & Content SOAR Online Course Practice Case Component & Benefits of the SOAR Online Course Standardized training across all geographic areas Allows SOAR Leaders to coordinate follow-up training and support 20 NASW CEUs FREE, web-based, self-guided 9

10 Overview of the SOAR Online Course 20 hours to complete 7 classes (from SOAR 101 to work incentives!) Practice case overview Submission of the practice case Cohort model why it s important! Outcomes Tracked in OAT Outcomes for Initial Applications & Appeals Approval Rates Time to Decision SOAR Critical Components Additional Outcomes Housing Employment Reimbursements SOAR Field Placements at University of Texas at Austin MAR PADILLA MSW STUDENT UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN 10

11 Field Placements: University of Texas at Austin Piloted field placements integrating SOAR training MSW students completed SOAR certification Placed in homeless service agencies Students incentivized with stipends SOAR Coursework at Cal State Long Beach NANCY MEYER- ADAMS, MSW, PH.D. DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY- LONG BEACH LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA CSULB SOAR and MSW Course Assignment Advanced Practice elective: Homelessness Prevention & Intervention in SW Practice Fall 2016 Developed and taught by Paul Duncan, LCSW, Associate Director of Systems Integration for Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority SOAR certification process major assignment for the course (16-24 hours to complete) 11

12 CSULB SOAR and MSW Course Assignment SOAR assignment addresses the following course objectives: Identify and assess risk factors for becoming homeless and barriers to resolving episodes of homelessness. Formulate and implement appropriate responses for the needs and strengths of those who are experiencing homelessness. Critique how forms of prejudice and oppression impact marginalized groups and contribute to the disproportionality of the homeless population in the U.S. Apply cultural humility in working with diverse homeless populations. CSULB SOAR and MSW Course Assignment Students feedback: Useful project powerful learning experience Great resume builder Positive feedback on the quality of the SAMHSA online training curriculum Only one student out of 15 felt the SOAR process was overwhelming and did not complete the assignment for certification CSULB SOAR and MSW Course Assignment Instructor s feedback: Work with students in first class meeting on SAMHSA SOAR sign up process to ensure all students can access immediately Set up periodic check-ins throughout semester for students to verify where they are in the process Review a sample Medical Summary Reports (MSR) in class as an example to encourage group discussion and participation 12

13 Opportunities in Los Angeles County On a local level there are some exciting things that have been occurring that relate to potential opportunities for students/graduates in homeless services. Passage of Measure H: 500 newly created jobs throughout LAC Course covers evidenced based interventions funded through Measure H One Measure H strategy is to create a county-wide benefits advocacy program. Programs have begun and are located within DPSS offices and will be assisting people experiencing homelessness in applying for social security. Measure H funds proposed to expand funding by $15 million annually. Serving 10,000 people annually in applying for benefits and will leverage Medicaid expansion Excellent opportunity for those who are SOAR certified pursuing employment within homeless services SOAR Planning at Catholic University LINDA PLITT DONALDSON, MSW, PHD ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY OF AMERICA WASHINGTON, D.C. Emerging Partnership at CUA with Local SOAR Community Well-integrated and well-organized SOAR community Individual conversation with DC SOAR Coordinator to introduce Center, CUA, and engage in conversations around potential partnerships and collaborations Attended SOAR Provider meeting in Fall 2016 to make introductions Hosted SOAR provider/ncsss meeting to brainstorm partnership ideas Asked NCSSS to facilitate ½ day strategic planning process 13

14 DC SOAR Strategic Planning Priorities DC SOAR Strategic Planning Priorities: Expanding SOAR Capacity NCSSS hosting Summer 2017 Cohort Community for Online Training In-person kick-off May 19 th and graduation July 14 th Weekly conference calls for check-in, accountability, and communitybuilding Planning SOAR Field Unit (starting Fall 2018) Identifying several placements to take students SOAR specialists Will design summer course on homelessness that will incorporate SOAR online training DC SOAR Strategic Planning Priorities: Expanding SOAR Capacity Biggest Challenge in Creating SOAR Placements Recruiting students (they have so many competing options) Stipends would be wonderful incentive We are just starting so there is no word-of-mouth buzz We have distributed fliers, presented in classes, and posted information about the opportunity 14

15 Getting Started with SOAR Collaboration University at Albany HEATHER LARKIN, MSW, PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY, STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK NATIONAL CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOMELESS SERVICES ALBANY, NEW YORK University at Albany Explored with State Interagency Director of Homeless Services readiness to build student units to foster SOAR NYS has generous supports and a safety net that is constitutionally required for all New Yorkers Moving eligible homeless individuals to SSI/SSDI very cost effective University at Albany Unsure if a new funded field unit was needed or whether MSW supervisor available at SOAR sites Located agency and supervisor undertaking SOAR and willing to take student(s) Confirmed field placement availability with field director Now awaiting news of whether we have students and whether state agency might subsidize with small student stipend fall field placement 15

16 SOAR: Collaboration Opportunities Schools of Social Work efforts connected to networks, coalitions, and communities of practice, both locally and nationally. SSI/SSDI benefits can lift recipients out of poverty and homelessness. Without the clinical and advocacy efforts, such access and individual self help success might be limited as only % can secure SSI/SSDI on their own. SOAR Collaboration: Getting Started SOAR Collaboration: Getting Started 16

17 SOAR Collaboration: Getting Started Use social work skills: Build relationships with SOAR leadership and SOAR provider community Start with face-to-face meeting Meet them where they are Ask what a helpful partnership might look like Share what other schools are doing as examples SOAR Collaboration: Getting Started Partner with Field Office Build SOAR-specific placements (field unit) Consider offering class with SOAR online training embedded within Support SOAR students in field SOAR: One Key in Homelessness Fight SSI/SSDI is not the only solution to homelessness, but for those with disabilities it s a major resource since recovery supports are essential; there is a 67% approval rate with a wait of 101 days on average. Imagine the multiplier effect if all SW students were SOAR certified, given the prevalence of homelessness across so many service systems. We need to close the eligibility gap to get better foothold on ending homelessness. 17

18 Next Steps This sounds great what s next? Next Steps ü Learn more about SOAR ü Get in touch with your SOAR TA Center liaison ü Reach out to your local or state SOAR leads ü Register for the SOAR Online Course Questions and Answers Facilitated By: SAMHSA SOAR Technical Assistance Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. Please type your questions into the Ask Questions Here box located lower right side of screen, or to ask questions verbally, click Raise Hand (top) so we can unmute your line 18

19 Connect With Us! SAMHSA SOAR TA Center Policy Research Associates, Inc. 345 Delaware Avenue Delmar, New York (518) x2 19